Many of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from God have been from the softest of whispers and the gentlest of nudges. Little glimpses of wonder & magic that I’ve stored away in my heart. If I were to weave them all together, I would have a majestic quilt. A quilt of many colors that would make Joseph’s technicolor coat pale in comparison.
Some of the lessons I’m reminded of are these:
- Pray from the heart. “The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” (James 5:16) “…people draw near with their mouths and honor me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13)
- There is power in prayer. “You may know the hope to which He has called you…and His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of His mighty strength.” (Ephesians 1:18-20) “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain ‘move from here to there” and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20)
- We need persistence in prayer. “Since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” (Colossians 1:9) “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:;17) “Pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1-5)
- God loves our prayers. “God compares prayer with sweet smelling incense that pleases Him.” (Revelation 5:8)
Can it be any simpler than this? Pray from your heart. Pray with expectancy. Pray persistently. God not only wants us to do this, but it makes Him happy.
Lately I’ve been feeling very convicted to begin intercessory prayer for others, especially my family. Like many mothers, I worry about my children. No matter their ages. No matter their circumstances. I’m a mother. I worry. That’s what I do. But God doesn’t want me to worry; He wants me to pray.
Because I’m not always as disciplined as I’d like to be (take a look at my kitchen sink right now), I made a sweet little prayer jar to help me out.
And because I can never keep things basic, I’m going to buy some incense (haven’t done that since the seventies) just to remind me that God likens my prayers to sweet smelling incense. Prayer jar, cup of coffee, burning incense, and I’m off! Pray for me that my mornings will become a blessing and a power to all those whose names I pull from this little mason jar.
